Southern Boating LP

After a day spearfishing in his prosthetic dive legs, Rob Murphy and friends show off an impressive haul.

Individuals with disabilities stay active on the water through products, boat designs and organizations.

Individuals with disabilities make up the nation’s largest minority group, which is also the only minority group that one can become a part of at any time in their life. In the last two years more than 20 million families in the U.S. have reported at least one family member with a disability, and nearly 40 percent of disabled individuals live in the South. When someone close to you is affected, that statistic becomes very personal and passion to spread awareness ignites. Thankfully, there are many companies, organizations and individuals in the marine industry that strive to enhance on-the-water accessibility for people with varying degrees of physical disability.

Twenty-seven-year-old Rob Murphy—an avid spearfisherman, diver, snowboarder, angler, and wakeboarder based in Palm Beach County, Florida—was spearfishing on a routine dive with five friends, just as he had done dozens of times before, when his life drastically changed. While surfacing, Rob was run over by a 36-foot sportfishing boat that negligently sped towards him despite his proper dive flags and warning yells. The propellers struck his oxygen tank—which saved his life—but his legs were severed just below the knees. Just two months after his accident, the diving and boating community celebrated Rob’s return to the water with custom prosthetic swim legs made by Matthew Bailey of Palm Beach Prosthetic Services, part of Florida O&P Services.

“Since Rob not only wanted to be out on the water on a boat but actively in the water, we had to make sure his dive prosthetics were completely saltwater-resistant, so we removed all the metal we could,” explains Bailey. Rob’s dive legs are exoskeletal, which means all the strength is in the outer shell. They are hollow with holes in the shell to allow water to flow through freely while swimming and ensure they aren’t buoyant. They also allow drainage once back in the boat. “His dive prosthetics are shaped just like regular legs, so they have the same hydrodynamics and allow him to swim normally,” Bailey says. “We ordered special dive ankles and beachcomber feet to allow Rob’s ankles to lock in a 70-degree swimming position or 90-degree walking position, so he can walk in the boat without changing his legs.” Bailey located a fly-fishing shirt company that had an “underwater camouflage” water pattern that he laminated onto the legs with clear resin per Rob’s design request.

Rob not only survived against the odds in a sudden tragic accident, but today—almost six years later—he is thriving both in and out of the water. When not hunting big fish for both recreation and spearfishing tournaments onboard his 31-foot Contender that he custom-designed for spearfishing, you can find him advocating for increased diver safety and building his growing business. “I will always love scuba diving, but I love how natural and pure freediving is—the freedom of diving down on a single breath of air is unlike anything else,” Murphy says. As an active young professional, he continues to inspire both disabled and able-bodied individuals to pursue their passions despite any obstacles. palmbeachprosthetics.com

Dr. Stanley Seidman, a successful psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, had an accident at six years old and when a doctor made a mistake, Stanley’s left arm required amputatation. Despite his physical setback Dr. Seidman began boating in 1974 and he and his wife Carol have cruised on their 63-foot Neptunus Pan-a-sea-a since 2001. When Carol cannot join her husband on the water, however, docking the large vessel single-handedly is a challenge. Around three years ago Dr. Seidman began using Yacht Controller, a battery-operated wireless device that allows him to remotely control his bow thrusters, stern thrusters, anchor, and engines in and out of gear at the press of a button. It sends a unique coded signal between the transmitter and receiver on Pan-a-sea-a to control docking functions anywhere on board. “When I used to dock the boat by myself it was a challenge, but Yacht Controller makes it much easier,” says Dr. Seidman.

The remote has a simplistic design with easy-to-use controls and requires very little adjustment time to become proficient. “I also love my Yacht Controller when we have to stop at bridge openings. I use the remote to effortlessly keep us in the same position,” Dr. Seidman says, who explains how the installation process is very simple for all standard powerboats. yachtcontroller.com

Captain Mick Nealey is an experienced Keys captain and guide who launched Active Disabled Americans and Tranquil Adventures over 20 years ago to keep people with disabilities active and engaged in the water through fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, sightseeing, and other eco adventures in Key Largo. Captain Mick suffered from polio as a two-year-old and sometimes still uses a wheelchair to board his 28-foot pontoon boat via a ramp, which he also uses for guests. “I also modified a Jet Ski lift, called The Swinger that allows someone to simply sit in a chair that swings over the side of the boat and lowers into the water for easy access to swim, snorkel and kayak,” he says. “I’ve modified fishing equipment for people who cannot hold a rod and reel, scuba gear, and special kayaks for individuals with specific needs,” he states. Individuals can charter half-day or whole-day experiences that are catered specifically to their needs. activedisabledamericans.org

Two and half years ago husband-and-wife team Andrew and Karen Grego had the idea to build an attractive, versatile aluminum sportfishing boat. When someone mentioned outfitting it for wounded soldiers, Blue Water Warriors was founded with the purpose of helping veterans experience the ocean’s renewal through deep-sea fishing and diving adventures. Alongside marine engineers and innovative boat designers, Blue Water Warriors has developed and built the completely custom 37-foot Warrior—Hull #1 for the couple’s new line of Vision boats. “Our able-bodied brain would choose to do something one way based on what we know, but the guy who is physically injured might think differently,” says Andrew Grego. “I visited Walter Reed [Medical Center] several times to discuss what specifications on a boat would suit them and we have created a boat that someone in a wheelchair can basically board and run independently.”

When you see her, you recognize that Warrior is a vessel worthy of the brave men who will use her. “The guys we are dealing with are type-A personalities who don’t want to look or feel any more physically handicapped than they already are, so our main directive when designing Warrior was to create the feeling of empowerment and independence,” says Grego. Her features include wheelchair accessibility without a hoist, SeaKeeper gyrostabilizer for maximum stability, specially adapted fighting chairs, harnesses and equipment for fishing, transom and side doors that swing open, specially developed non-skid floor surfaces, on-deck wheelchair locks, storage for prosthetic limbs, and a deck-level head with an elevator lift to accommodate people with and without wheelchairs with no assistance.

One of the most inspiring details of this project is the overwhelming support from the local marine businesses. “The majority of this boat—electronics, labor to build, paint, motors, anchor, etc.—have been donated from local business and services who believe in this organization and its purpose,” Grego explains. “We are putting the logos of each donor on the boat and plan to attend as many boat shows as possible to introduce Warrior.” The couple dreams of growing their line of Vision boats by building one of these custom boats for each of the six polytrauma rehabilitation centers at military base hospitals down the East Coast and over to Texas’ Gulf Coast.

These individuals, products and organizations are just a handful of the many that positively impact the quality of life through boating for the disabled. Organizations and initiatives exist throughout the country that offer a multitude of on-the-water adventures. If you or someone in your life is challenged with a physical disability, research opportunities in your cruising area to ensure everyone can benefit from the refreshing, renewing experience that only the water can bring.

The Viking 92 EB is the culmination of the family-owned company’s 50-year history.

Four or so years ago, Patrick Healey, President, and CEO of Viking Yachts, was in Ocean City, Maryland, aboard a customer’s 115-foot motoryacht. “He owned one of our sportfishing boats as well, and I really enjoyed the spaciousness of being on the kind of yacht that allowed a large group to hang in the country kitchen, entertain others in the main salon, and allow the owners to sit outside with more guests on the aft deck area.” the idea for the Viking 92 EB was born.

The concept impressed Healey so much that he and Viking’s Design Manager, Dave Wilson, and Capt. Ryan Higgins, Viking’s South East Sales Manager, and demo skipper, also along on the visit, had a shared moment. There the Viking 92 EB was first conceived.

Design and engineering took cues from the highly successful Viking 82C. With a $7+ million per year investment in R&D, the two and a half year project culminated in a nine-month build schedule. The Viking 92 EB was the dockside crown jewel in Viking’s recent 50th Anniversary celebration and dealer meeting held in Atlantic City this past September.

The first thing I noticed about the 92 EB is how well proportioned she looks. “It was one of the primary directives, to make her look as good and well balanced whether dockside or out at sea,” says Wilson. Fantastic is a more apt description.

“With the 92 EB we can attract some folks from the larger yachts who also owned a smaller sportfishing boat and want to scale down to just one,” says Higgins. Scaling down to this 92-foot yacht, however, is hardly a sacrifice.

The Viking 92 EB incorporates large yacht features yet keeps intact the successful fish amenities found on all Viking open convertibles and enclosed bridge models. Standard features include an impressive full-service galley, free-standing dining table space, six-stateroom layout, full-beam master with his-and-her heads, walk-in closets, separate crew quarters aft with lounge and galley, a bridge deck that is as good as it gets, and the kind of storage spaces throughout that accommodate long trips away from home. Layout options are flexible.

For example, the pantry on the main deck’s starboard side can be converted into another stateroom. Indeed, on Hull #2, the owner is eliminating the free-standing dining table and reworking the salon layout along with the his-and-her heads by making one side a walk-in closet with the other a special locker design. The owner of Hull #3 included a dinette area inside.

To say the least, the interior fit and finish along with the décor package is as tastefully and well done as I’ve seen on any vessel of her class—and then some. The team paid special attention to the aft deck for an outdoor dining area. The variation on the theme incorporated the mezzanine area and created two levels—a yacht aft deck and a separate fishing mezzanine with seating, livewell, and refrigeration for the massive business end of the 92 EB, the lower cockpit. Fishing crews will utilize this space to be serious competitors in any tournament event.

Aiding that ability is her amazing performance—Captain Higgins had her up and running at a cruise speed of 30 knots with a fast cruise of 32, and she topped out at an impressive 37.2 knots at 2450 rpm in troubling four-to-six foot seas, and into the wind and current. During backing down maneuvers she pirouetted like a prima ballerina. In fact, I actually had to look out at the conditions to remind me we were in this kind of turbulent water. Of course, the Seakeeper M35 Gyro was of great help in keeping us rock steady.

“We’re 200,000+ pounds with full fuel and water,” explains Higgins in the noticeable quiet of the enclosed bridge. “But that all goes to our design and engineering teams with our resin-infused hull and deckhouse reinforced with carbon fiber, Nomex honeycomb in many of the interior panels for weight saving, and along with the hull bottom featuring flush and recessed engine pickups. To help further eliminate drag reduction, we eliminated the keel resulting in a straight V.”

Equal attention was given to the engine room space, which allows total access to every piece of equipment, pump, valve, connection, switch, filter, and any other critical area that needs attention and maintenance. On the Viking 92 EB the components normally found in an engine room that sometimes make for a rather tight space have been allocated to a dedicated space known as the mechanical room. Here one finds—again with complete access and serviceability—the ice chipper, AC power converter system, refrigeration units, compressors, cable masters, centralized water system, and generators. And, of course, access to the mains is accommodated in order to perform total critical engine maintenance with complete ease and accessibility. Another big yacht feature is that aforementioned AC power converter system. It gives the 92 EB complete and worldwide dockside abilities with single-phase, three-phase, 50Hz, 60Hz plug-in abilities.

“We’re a big team and along with our design and engineering folks, we left nothing to chance with this boat,” comments Higgins. “I get to see a lot of reactions when we introduce a new model, and the response to this one has been nothing but spectacular. Once you take the wheel and realize how maneuverable she is, I notice a feeling of complete confidence quickly settles in over whoever is at the helm, whether around the dock or heading out to sea.”

With all the advances Viking has incorporated in its past designs and all the developments integrated into the 92 EB, she will be sure to influence the next yacht, which is, assuredly, already on the drawing board at the New Gretna, New Jersey, headquarters. “It’s been that way for 50 years,” says Healey. “And there is no reason to change that at all. It’s something my father and my uncle, the founders of the company, always held true: We’ll build a better boat every day.”

Boat owners who enjoy multiple pastimes sometimes have difficulty choosing which activity to pursue when schedules conflict. Both boating and baseball, for example, are enjoyed during the summer months, and season ticket holders are reluctant to miss out on home games.

However, if you’re a boat owner in Florida whose favorite baseball team is one of the 15 that train in Florida’s Grapefruit League, you can get an early start on the season and boat to within just a few miles of most of the ball fields used for spring training. Even if your team’s spring training ball field is in the Orlando, Florida, area—for the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros—the team will play as a visitor at one of the fields on the coast.

This handy B&B (boating and baseball) guide for your favorite teams provides their spring training parks in Florida and two marina options and how far from the ball park they’re located—some are even within walking distance! For complete game schedules, park and ticket information go to springtrainingonline.com.

Dusky 33 XF center console with crew heading out fishing.

Port Royal, then and now.

Gordon Pass then and now.

Gordon Pass, then and now.

Naples City Dock now.

Naples City Dock in 1940.

Naples Pier, then and now.

Port Royal, then and now. .

Elaborate sculptures are made every year at the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.

The Sugar Sand Walk features a creation by master sculptor Patrick Harsch.

The interesting shape of the pool at Playa Largo Resort & Spa offers a variety of options and views for sunning or shade. Family friendly movies are shown on a movie screen that drops down from the large trellis over the pool.

Whether you prefer sun or shade, you’ll enjoy a water view on the pool deck.

Chandeliers in the Tavernier Ballroom are fashioned like bubbles rising to the surface as if you’re under water.

Sol by the Sea offers casual dining just steps away from the marina docks.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa

the lobby makes for a convenient meeting spot for light bites and happy hour drinks.

The ceviche and sushi restaurant Las Olas (above) is just off the lobby

The salon layout provides ample storage and enables efficient freedom of movement with natural light for enjoying the outside elements. The door and windows open wide to the aft deck creating a large living area

Flybridge relaxation, entertaining and sightseeing can’t be beat with a view like this.

Alfresco meals on the aft deck are protected from the occasional tropical shower thanks to the large flybridge.

D2 discovered one of the largest aggregations of Brisingid sea stars anyone on the ship had ever seen.

NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer berthed at the NOAA Ford Island facility located in the middle of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

H2OBX rendering of facilities bar and restrooms at the water park. Photo: h20bx

Remnants from the site’s rainwater collection basin

The old brig still remains as the naval base’s military prison.

Worn and weary, this guard shack remains at the old NAVFAC facility

A rustic gasoline pump still displays prices from the 1960s.

Large wave astern of NOAA ship DELAWARE II off the New England coast. Photo courtesy of NOAA

The full-beam king master is of equivalent or even larger size than on much bigger yachts and benefits from his-and-her heads, with separate shower compartments. Built-in storage provides for long-distance and liveaboard provisions. Photo: JLambertPhotos.com

Twin doors open from the aft deck to the salon and rich furnishings: a pair of lounge chairs (not shown), large sofa, custom wooden table, writing desk, storage, and large-screen TV. Photo: JLambertPhotos.com

The enclosed flybridge is well equipped with centerline controls, a large settee and custom table, and dayhead for convenience. Photo: JLambertPhotos.com

French Leave performing at Eleuthera All That Jazz. Photo credit: Marc Coeffic Jazz

Due Diligence

The interior of Sassy, a 2016 101′ Hargrave, was designed by Shelley DiCondina.

The Juliette Gordon Low is named after the founder of the first American Girl Scout troop. Photo credit: Visit Savannah

Opposite page: St. John the Baptist Cathedral’s twin spires tower over Lafayette Square, one of Savannah’s many grand, historic houses of worship.Photo credit: Geoff L Johnson

Savannah boasts the third largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, with revelry that lasts throughout the whole day and night. Photo credit: Travis Sayre

Horse-drawn carriages offer one of the more popular ways to tour historic Savannah. Photo credit: Geoff L Johnson

Savannah offers much to see and do on both sides of the Savannah River. Photo credit: Visit Savannah

The Tybee Island Light marks the entrance to the Savannah River.

The Old Savannah Cotton Exchange, completed in 1887, stands as a reminder of Savannah’s former leadership in the worldwide cotton trade. Photo credit: Dylan Wilson

Stately mansions built by wealthy cotton merchants in the 1800s draw millions of visitors (including artists) to Savannah, which has one of the largest historic districts in the country. Photo credit: Geoff L Johnson

A pair of waved albatross, Diomeda irrorata, in courtship display. Espanola Island is the location of the only waved albatross nesting colony in the world. Photo Credit: Jad Davenport

Marine iguanas, Amblyrhynchus cristatus, split from land iguanas millions of years ago and became adept at swimming and foraging for algae in the sea. Photo Credit: Jad Davenport

Lonesome George, a century-old Pinta Island tortoise, or Abingdon Island tortoise, the last of his kind at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Lonesome George died in 2012. The subspecies is now extinct. Photo Credit: Jad Davenport

Palm Beach 65 Whether in the cockpit enjoying fresh air or cozy in the salon protected from the elements, warm woods blended with colorful accents give and air of casual elegance. Photo credit: Andrea Francolini

Fishing against the mangrove islands usually leads to a rewarding catch of redifsh and snook, but keep an eye on the weather; it can be unpredictable in the Ten Thousand Island region. Photo credit: Susanna Botkin

Coming back to the dock after a long day of fishing is its own reward, but the plentiful fish you can catch in Chokoloskee are even better. Photo credit: Susanna Botkin

Sweetfield Manor is a restored plantation house on a hill above Bridgetown. It has been converted into a bed and breakfast by owners George and Anni Clarke (pictured).

Sweetfield Manor is a restored plantation house on a hill above Bridgetown. It has been converted into a bed and breakfast by George and Anni Clarke.

Costumed dancer in one of the many bands that ‘jumps up’ on Grand Kadooment Day to celebrate the end of the annual Crop Over celebration. Crop Over is an 18th-century festival honoring the end of the sugar cane harvest.

Crane Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches along the quiet southern coast of Barbados. The beach was named not after the beautiful bird, but after an industrial crane used to transfer goods from ship to shore.

Rum shop. These local taverns are the heart of every village.

Horse races are held at the Barbados Turf Club on the old grounds of Garrison Savannah, where the British Caribbean Force was once billeted.

Cattlewash Beach. The wild east coast of Barbados north of the village of Bathsheba is a long stretch of sand where the ‘white horses’ – thundering Atlantic waves – finally hit land after traveling all the way from Africa.

Black cow and a rare road sign in the Scotland District, a hilly highland region in northeastern Barbados.

High tea at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, the most British resort on Barbados. The island is often called the most British in the Caribbean due to the nearly 400 years of uninterrupted British rule.

High tea at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, the most British resort on Barbados. The island is often called the most British in the Caribbean due to the nearly 400 years of uninterrupted British rule.

The Basin is a secret bathing spot beneath sea cliffs outside the small village of Bathsheba. The surrounding beaches along the wild east coast are often too rough for swimming. But the nearby surfing breaks – including the world famous Soup Bowl – draw an international crowd.

The beach at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, the most British resort on Barbados. The island is often called the most British in the Caribbean due to the nearly 400 years of uninterrupted British rule.

The Corpus Christi Marina received funding from federal grant monies designated to improve the marina and benefit boaters. Phot: city of corpus christi

Filled with the vivid colors of the season and family activities, New Bern, North Carolina’s Mumfest, October 8-9, is a fantastic fall destination for Mid-Atlantic cruisers. Photo: Prweb.com

St. Thomas, USVI native Taylor Canfield and crew won the last race in 2015. As of World Sailing’s rankings for July 13, 2016, Taylor is the number one ranked match racer in the world. Photo: Bitter End Yacht Club, BVI

Bob and Mitzi Plocher do most of their boating in Lake of the Ozarks on their 2005 Sea Ray 390. Creating family memories while expanding their cruising horizons on a MarineMax Getaway with daughters’ families was Bob’s idea. Bob and Mitzi are joined at the restaurant above The Baths on Virgin Gorda are Amy & Michael Garrett and Kim & Zach Lewis. For the Getaway they appropriately named their boat No Regrets.

Shops near Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke’s Great Harbour offer a variety of colorful island gifts and garb.

Taxis on Jost Van Dyke transport tourists between the two bays and stop for photo opportunities upon request.

The Jost Van Dyke Methodist Church is on Great Harbour down the road from Foxy’s.

The Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay attracts tourists by land and charter guests by sea

Oliver (7) and Jacob (9) joined their parents, aunt & uncle and grandparents on the Getaway; their favorite part was snorkeling and seeing jellyfish, anemone and clams.